Tuxedo Tails & Tailcoats
Tailcoats, also known as "tails," are the most formal of all formal attire and typically they are worn only after sundown, or at parties that begin earlier but will carry into the evening. If you ever receive an invitation that says "White Tie Affair", a formal tailcoat ensemble is required and expected. Proper accessories to go with your tailcoat are a white pique tuxedo shirt, a white pique formal vest and a matching white pique bow tie.No matter how you refer to them (tailcoats, tuxedo tails, or full dress tails), they are still the most formal and elegant option for any formal affair. However, tailcoats should only be worn to formal affairs that are specifically a white tie invitation. It would not be appropriate to wear tails to an invitation that calls for a black tie, as only a tuxedo should be worn to these types of affairs. The only exception is white tuxedo tails, which are a very popular style for the groom in many cultures. Tailcoats should hug the torso slightly more than a tuxedo jacket, with the front of the tailcoat ending just below the waist and the tail ending in the back of the knees or slightly below. Most classic styles are made with a satin peak lapel; however, you will also find them in the less popular (and more contemporary) notch lapel. We do carry both styles. Proper accessories are very important to the formal white-tie ensemble. The tailcoat should match formal trousers and a tuxedo shirt like a white wing tip pique formal shirt, white pique backless vest & bow tie, and formal shoes. Full dress tails should not be worn with a cummerbund and bow tie, as this would not be considered proper protocol.